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Aurender N20

Wow, just received my used N20, installed a 2TB 870EVO SSD and downloaded Conductor. Uploaded 72GB of purchased and ripped CD files from my Synology NAS. Connected to Qobuz and I must admit, I wasn’t prepared for what I heard. I thought that my fiber isolated, upgraded power supply iFi Zen Stream was really good, but it is no where near as good as the Aurender and I’m just listening to AES. Upsampling was set to 176.4K and so I went with it. I purchased from an experienced Dealer, so I went with his bang for the buck DH Labs AES and USB cables, which he doesn't sell.   Evidently, they punch above their price point.

Local media and Qobuz sound equally stunning. This gets close, or rivals my analog system and that is saying something.

Complaints so far.. no information regarding bit rate of music. I’m use to Roon and this is not Roon..not even close. I think that with Qobuz I can make playlists with quality high bitrate music and import the playlists.

Anyway, if I would have heard the N20 first, I would not have anguished over spending the money. Again, having a good dealer, or trusted friend really makes the difference. Time to burn in the cable(s).

vonhelmholtz

Showing 8 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

“all you need is a Raspberry Pi, Synology NAS and Roon…..Damn..wasted my money! 
@vonhelmholtz 

Thanks for the laughs! Now that you’ve mentioned ASR, the CFO minions will be right along, brace for the impact!

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

@vonhelmholtz 

Sorry I assumed that you were using an iPad :-) 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

@vonhelmholtz

Congratulations! I recommend take your time to play with Conductor App.
The bit rate is displayed next to album art in the app. And yes you can make new playlist and save it in Qobuz or access your existing playlist saved to Qobuz. Take a look at app manual here,

https://www.notion.so/Conductor-App-Manual-V3-a78b4ddbe61440bc988fce52e34d0dfb

N20 is a very versatile player. Enjoy!

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

“I could honestly be happy with either, but since I have the N30SA in possession I am holding on to it!”

@blisshifi

How about swapping out your N30SA with my N20 and call it a day :-)

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

@vonhelmholtz 

Conductor iOS app on a iPad offers the best experience.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

@vonhelmholtz

Once you’re settled with N20, please post your impressions on USB vs AES. As I recall, this was one of your consideration for a streamer with Holo May DAC. I think it would be very informative for readers here to know how well your DAC’s implementation is with USB and AES.

And if it’s AES, here is a cable recommendation that will further improve over very good DH lab cable. I have used the prev Gen. Acrolink 6N-D5070 II AES cable and it was best sounding cable to my ears under $2K price point.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649910522-acrolink-7n-a2080-leggenda-aesebu-1m-digital-cable/

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

@vonhelmholtz

Thank you for sharing your experience and joy. Good call on Shunyata Sigma NR V2 upgrade and glad it all worked out. I just finished reading up on the proprietary tech employed with these cables, very impressive indeed!

IMHO, a high quality power conditioner and power cables are the foundation of a high resolution system that is equally addictive and musically engaging. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

@kmmd 

Congratulations on N20, it’s an amazing player. Take your time to explore all the features, especially CLM.  BTW, both of your system are simply stunning.  

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